Tcase shifter ID

I'm replacing the transmission in my 96 V6 4wd and when reinstalling the tcase shifter lever it just snapped. It looks like the PO welded in an extension at some point and their weld sucked. I'm probably going to try to just reweld it but I'm hoping someone can help me understand why this would have been done and what the right replacement part would be.

The shifter has the 4wd button on the side and it's not j shift... Just has L4-N-H on the lever.

 

Ball type interface.

 

Does the truck have a body lift? That or just wanting to raise the shifter up higher for ergonomics are the only reasons I can think of to cut and weld in an extension.
Your best bet is to grab one out of a junkyard truck, or see if someone is selling one. Maybe cobble that one back together for now and keep your eye out for a replacement.

 

Oh you totally nailed it. It has a 3" body lift so that makes sense now. I'll add this to the list of things to address when I get around to restoring it to stock height.

 

Any similar shenanigans with the transmission shift lever? Hopefully not.

 

Fortunately no. At least everything on that end looked factory when I put it all back together today.